As the low temperatures continue, fleets of gritting trucks have been out up and down the country, spreading tons of rock salt on the roads to melt the ice and snow and keep cars moving.

But there is a potentially deadly side effect for pets who accidentally consume this rock salt, by licking their fur or their feet after walking near gritted roads.

The toxic rock salt is being widely used at the moment and they RSPCA have released advice pet owners can take to keep their furry friends safe.

What harmful effects does grit have on cats and dogs?

Grit may cause pain or irritation in your pets paws, especially if it becomes compacted with snow. The salt content in grit can also make it hazardous to pets if they ingest it. If ingested it can cause vomiting and lethargy and in severe cases there is also a risk of kidney damage. Most cases involve animals that have walked through gritted snow and then lick or chew it off their paws as it can cause irritation.

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What exactly in the grit causes these effects?

Grit is often actually rock salt which is a mixture of salt (sodium chloride) and grit. Rock salt lowers the freezing point of moisture on the road surface, so it stops ice forming and causes existing ice or snow to melt.

Can any action be taken? If so, what?

It’s best to wash your dog’s paws in warm water and dry them thoroughly after a walk in the snow - this removes any compacted snow and prevents salt from gritted snow irritating their paws. It’s also best to wash their tummy and undercarriage of any snow too to prevent them from being able to lick and ingest any rock salt.

If you suspect your pet may have ingested rock salt contact your vet immediately and follow their advice.

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What advice would you give to cat and dog owners in the snow when grit is spread everywhere?

Wherever possible avoid walking dogs in areas where the snow has been gritted and always thoroughly wash paws following a walk.

A spokesperson for the RSPCA said: "We urge pet-owners to be cautious when grit is being spread on roads, as rock salt can be toxic to dogs and cats if they lick it from their paws or fur. This is because ingestion can cause a high blood sodium concentration which can cause thirst, vomiting and lethargy, and in severe cases kidney damage.

"The best thing to do is to thoroughly wipe your pet's feet, fur and tummy after they have been outside. If you believe your pet has ingested rock salt then contact your vet immediately."